SuperSaderFan

Holiday Online Auction Launches TODAY! Leading up to the Kowloon Comedy event, we will be partnering with Bidding For Good to run our second online auction of the year! There are some amazing items in the auction including: 100 of our (first ever!) holiday ornaments Official corps uniform jackets Sporting event tickets Signed memorabilia Theatre tickets Jewelry Various gift cards African Safari Trip Browse through our item list and you will be sure to find the perfect holiday gift for you or a loved one! Important Details: Where: www.biddingforgood.com/bac When: The auction is open from 8:00 AM on Thursday, November 21st to 10:00 PM on Monday, December 2nd. Why: To get some incredible items just in time for the holidays while supporting the world class members of the Boston Crusaders!

Got a Cell Phone? Boston Crusaders are partnering with I-texts to launch a brand new fundraiser. This I-texts campaign is an easy way to support the Crusaders without opening your wallet! Follow the link to our article to see how it works and to sign-up! http://www.bostoncrusaders.com/news/382-i-texts

Boston Crusaders kick off a new Comedy Night fundraiser this winter! The event will be held at New England’s "Premier Asian Dining & Entertainment Complex" Kowloon Restaurant in Saugus, MA. The evening includes a premier buffet dinner and “Kowloon Komedy Show” with basket raffles, 50/50 and other great contests and prizes. This is sure to be the perfect opportunity to catch up with old friends, enjoy live stand-up comedy, and raise money for the upcoming 2014 Boston Crusaders season. Tickets can only be pre-purchased through the Boston Crusaders online marketplace until Thursday, November 28. There will be no day of event sales at the door. Details of the event: Date: Thursday, December 5, 2013 from 7:00 PM - 11:00 PM Location: Kowloon Restaurant, Route 1, Saugus, MA Ticket Price: $40 per person* Buy your tickets today! http://crusadercollection.com/collections/events/products/comedy-night Get ready to laugh and enjoy some of the best Asian cuisine around. We hope to see you there! *Adults 18+ will be admitted

You have 3 chances to get involved in the Fall Fundraising Frenzy! Holiday Online Auction www.biddingforgood.com/bac November 21 - December 2 Comedy Night Kowloon Restaurant, Saugus, MA December 5, 2013 iText Campaign www.bostoncrusaders.com/news/382-i-texts Registration open now through December 2

I have very good insight on this deal, so let me elaborate. The centerpiece of Inspire is the Boston Crusaders. In order to compete at a championship level it starts with the balance sheet. The top groups raise millions: The Blue Devils & Santa Clara have bingo, Cadets have USBands, Crown has the Crown store and now we have Great East. There are not many alumni that are as hard core as me and the individuals that Ghost speaks of are people who have competed for a national championship wearing the red & black. They have had a big influence on the current leadership of the organization and our renewed focus on competing at a championship level. Times have changed, the activity has evolved, we are no longer focused on survival, it's time to bring the Crusaders back to the top of the activity. I AM Inspired!

This is a major step forward for the organization. Acquisition implies purchase. Some things to consider: Diversified revenue base; Extended reach of programs as measured by geography - School programs - students impacted; National touring program - regional performance opportunities - developing local performance groups; Leveraging administration - education staff - event management.

Results are in! Final numbers for the Old School Challenge Weekend War The Blue Knights:$28,035 The Boston Crusaders:$34,000 Big thanks to all our supporters and congratulations to the Boston Crusaders and the Blue Knights for a successful fundraiser!

Allentown has a special meaning to the Crusader family. In our history, the park and parking lot has served as our housing and gathering site. It is fitting that we launch a new event this year from the very grounds we began our Rise back in 1983. Join us at the first annual Crusader Alumni and Friends Hospitality Tent during the Allentown Regional! The tent will be located near the footbridge that goes over the small stream in the park. Its the bridge that all the corps cross when they are going from warm-up to the show. Food and refreshments will be served and the event starts at 3pm. The event is open to all of our fans, please stop by!

Update from the front lines. The High Command (BoD) is doing a donation match today for up to $5,000 dollars. If you haven't donated yet, why not do it today and make it worth double. Donate here:www.tinyurl.com/2013weekendwar

Old School Challenge IV – The Weekend War We are pleased to announce “Old School Challenge IV – The Weekend War” and we are competing against one of last year’s rivals, the Blue Knights from 12:01AM August 1 to 11:59PM August 4. The Weekend War is a condensed 4-day fundraising blitz in support of both corps’ annual campaigns. The corps amassing the most donations by the end of August 4 is announced the winner. The Madison Scouts have decided to sit on the sidelines this year after too many knockouts from the last couple of years…and to also focus on their 75th anniversary campaign. We wish them the best on their big anniversary. Since the Boston Crusaders won the Challenge last year, the Madison Scouts will perform Conquest for all to enjoy live at the East Coast Classic this Thursday. The Blue Knights, not in attendance at the show this Thursday, submitted their rendition of Conquest here. This year’s winning corps won’t have to wait a full year for retribution as it will occur this season! In the spirit of friendly competition, the losing corps will host a post-show snack after the Centerville, OH show on August 5. The losing director will also pose for a picture finals week. Join our forces in battle for the Weekend War starting August 1: Donate here! Private - $5 Corporal - $10 Sergeant - $20 Lieutenant - $40 Captain - $50 Major - $75 Colonel - $100 Brigadier General - $200 Major General - $300 Lieutenant General - $500 General - $700 Commander in Chief - $1,000

http://http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8HHz7KwaiTA

The Past Beckons On Saturday, June 22, the Crusaders took the field in Akron, Ohio wearing something other than the widely recognized red and black uniforms for the first time in over 50 years. When the design team discussed the concept of the 2013 production RISE, the color palette was a prime topic. As the meetings continued, the idea of changing the corps uniform to reflect the drab, dystopic atmosphere at the beginning of the show was floated to the team. But how could the corps change such an iconic uniform? The design team went back to the annals of Crusader history to the late 1950s. The grey jackets that the corps are wearing this season are inspired by the West Point Cadet uniforms that then Senator John F. Kennedy helped the corps acquire in 1959. As the Crusaders evolved from the Most Precious Blood Crusaders into the Hyde Park Crusaders and then into the Boston Crusaders, with those changes came uniform and management changes. Following two years of performing in red and black, in 1959, the newly christened Boston Crusaders found themselves without uniforms for the season. John F. Kennedy stepped in and helped the corps purchase West Point uniforms directly from the United States Military Academy for the rumored price of $1 each. The corps wore various versions of this uniform that season until the standard red and black was reintroduced in 1960. “We wanted to find a way to reflect the specific mood of this year’s show while maintaining a connection to the history of the corps,” said Program Coordinator Eric Kitchenman. “The Crusaders uniform is so iconic, we’re fortunate to have this small, authentic piece of history that we can tap into to make this season and this show even more meaningful.” Spectators will also be treated to a little something special. As the season evolves, watch for the uniforms to as well.

Hard work, some free time in Chicago, more hard work, prep show in LaCrosse and then the first regional. Eat Em Up!

I predict predictions will change over the next week

Lot's of great content and updates on the official facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/BostonCrusaders

Updates posted on the Crusaders official fb page and Twitter every camp weekend! http://www.facebook.com/BostonCrusaders

New this Fall, all Boston Crusaders members will be given the opportunity to pay their tuition and camp fees in 12 monthly installments. The 12 Month Plan will consist of payments of $200 per month with no hidden costs or additional fees. In fact, those who sign up will lock their 2012 tuition and camp fees (to be announced), and will be unaffected by later adjustments. "We are excited to be able to offer this payment plan for a number of reasons," said Executive Director Tom Spataro. "We always talk about how drum corps is more than just on the field education. This payment plan offers a great opportunity to teach our members about financial planning and responsibility. By stretching out payments year round, we feel it makes the drum corps experience more attainable and affordable for our members. Also, many of the parents I have spoken with are in agreement and excited to take advantage of this offer. A year round payment plan is also a great way to have members themselves shoulder some, if not all of the cost. Two hundred dollars per month is approximately $50 a week -- which is less than 10 hours at minimum wage." "We're in a great position to activate this plan for another reason," said Spataro. "As a corps that enjoys a high member return rate year over year, many of our members know by September where they will be marching. We have more multi-year members than single year members. With regards to the expanded timeline, the idea that drum corps is 'just a summer' activity is outdated, as is the concept that we begin in November. Drum Corps is a year round activity for all of us now, and enabling our members to start chipping away at their financial obligation early directly reflects that." Visit our Tuition and Fees section for details on the 12 month payment plan. Payments will begin on September 15. The deadline to enroll is September 14. Ready to audition for the 2012 Crusaders? We have set preliminary audition dates for the following dates and locations: Nov. 19 - Texas and Boston Nov. 25-27 - Florida Dec. 16-18 - Florida Jan. 21-23 - Florida Will YOU join in our Crusade?

We are pleased to offer sponsorship levels for everyone! Presenting Sponsor - $5000 - (Only one available) Company or person recognized as Presenting Sponsor in tournament distribution materials including brochures and posters Recognition as Presenting Sponsor with banner on the day of the tournament One complimentary foursome Personal introduction at tournament reception with opportunity to speak to attendees Opportunity to provide item in tournament goody bag Click here to be the Presenting Sponsor Associate Sponsor - $2500 - (available) Company or person recognized as Associate Sponsor in tournament distribution materials including brochures and posters Recognition as Associate Sponsor with banner on the day of the tournament One complimentary foursome Opportunity to provide item in tournament goody bag Click here to sign up to be an Associate Sponsor Scoreboard Sponsor - $1000 - (available) Company or person recognized on tournament Scoreboard Recognition in tournament program One complimentary twosome Opportunity to provide item in tournament goody bag Click here to sign up to be a Scoreboard Sponsor Putting Green Sponsor - $500 - (available) Company or person recognized on Putting Green Product marketing/demonstration opportunity in Putting Green contest Recognition in tournament program Opportunity to provide item in tournament goody bag Click here to sign up to be a Putting Green Sponsor Refreshment Sponsor - $250 - (available) Company or person recognized at refreshment table Recognition in tournament program Opportunity to provide item in tournament goody bag Click here to sign up to be a Refreshment Sponsor Hole Sponsor - $100 - (available) Company or person recognized with sign at tee box Recognition in tournament program Opportunity to provide item in tournament goody bag Click here to sign up to be a Hole Sponsor Golf Cart Sponsor - $50 - (available) Signage on Golf Cart Recognition in tournament program Opportunity to provide item in tournament goody bag Click here to sign up to be a Golf Cart Sponsor If you are interested in becoming a corporate sponsor contact Karen Dillard today. Email Karen.

Hear what past participants have to say... "Playing in this tournament is a great way to catch up with old friends, help out our Corps, all while playing on a great course." ~Dave Hanley "My favorite golf tournament of the year is the Boston Crusaders Tournament that will be held October 7th, at Chemawa golf course. It is a combination of old and new friends and the entire day is filled with smiles and a lot of laughter. Karen Dillard and her staff of volunteers have done a great job and make everyone feel like family. As soon as you enter the club house and see the Chemawa ladies with Crusaders shirts on you understand that everyone has the same goal------- A good time for a great organization. " ~Neal Smith "I look forward every year at this time to playing in the Boston Crusaders Golf Tournament. It is at a great course that is always in impeccable condition. I get to see some of my North Star brethren and my Crusader brethren, play golf and contribute to the Crusaders at the same time." Karen and staff always do this thing right. " ~Jerry Noonan

The Crusader Classic Golf Tournament returns to Chemawa on Friday, October 7th. Registration begins at 7:30 am with an 8:30 am shotgun start. Join us for a day of golf where all the proceeds from the event help support the Boston Crusaders. All skill levels are welcome - and each year all skill levels are present. This fun filled day, with fellow drum corps fans, is followed by food and drink with friends! Pricing for the Crusader Classic Golf Tournament: $150.00 Entry Fee* Per Single Player ($125 if you pre-register) $600.00 Entry Fee* for Foursomes ($500 if you pre-register) *Fee includes Green & Cart Fees and a buffet lunch Click here for online registration OR checks can be mailed to: Boston Crusaders PO Box 51391 Boston, MA 02205-1391 Please note "golf" in the memo field

The Boston Crusaders and Executive Director Tom Spataro are pleased to announce the 2012 design and instructional principals: Program Coordinator and Visual Designer Brian Murphy will lead a team of returning staff and designers including Ellis Hampton (percussion), Chad Pence (brass), and Matt Winans (color guard). Also returning to the team for the third year as program advisor is Bruno Zuccala. The newest member of the Crusaders design team is Ryan George, who will serve as Boston's brass arranger/composer. George currently resides in Austin, Texas where he is a full-time arranger and composer. "The Boston Crusaders is a corps that I have always held in the highest regard," said George. "To be apart of a corps with such a rich heritage is both an honor and a thrill! I cannot wait to begin collaborating with this talented team of designers and teachers and I especially look forward to working alongside Chad Pence to create something truly unique with the Boston hornline." "We are all very excited to add Ryan to our team," said Tom Spataro. "His opus speaks for itself. Brian [Murphy] and I believe that Ryan, Ellis, Matt and Chad will lead and define the next generation of the Boston Crusaders and bring us to new levels of success in the coming years. I look forward to sharing the product of this fine team with our fans. Expect the Boston you know and love, only better." Ryan's outdoor ensemble work has been performed by some of the nation's elite groups at state, region, and national venues. His roster of clients hail from 14 states and include perennial Bands of America regional champions, regional finalist, Grand National finalist, as well as state championships in 3 states. He also currently serves as brass composer/arranger for The Academy Drum & Bugle Corps from Tempe, Arizona. Since 2007 his music has received performances at the American Bandmasters Association Convention, the MidWest Band and Orchestra Clinic in Chicago, the MidEurope Festival in Schladming Austria, the National CNDNA Conference, and the CBDNA/NBA Southern Division Conference. His works have also been performed at several state music educators conferences as well as region, honor, inter-collegiate, and all-state ensembles. His work for advanced wind ensemble, "Firefly", was recently recorded by the University of North Texas Wind Symphony under the direction of Eugene M. Corporon and is featured in the "Teaching Music Through Performance in Band" series, volume 8. Ryan graduated from the University of Kentucky with a degree in music education. While a student Ryan sat principal horn for 4 semesters in the wind ensemble, was a drum major for the Wildcat Marching Band and also performed with various other ensembles including the UK orchestra. During his drum corps career Ryan performed with both the Cadets of Bergen County and the Concord Blue Devils. Check out Ryan's website at forninemusic.com to hear examples of his work for concert and marching ensembles. The 2012 design team will be meeting in New York this weekend to officially kick off 2012 with a marathon planning session

What a show! Great weather, great crowd, great performances! Great support from the fan base for all Corps! A huge thank you for all that helped run the show, everyone that came out to support the Corps and the Corps for making the long trip up the East Coast this week to get to Lawrence! Also thank you to all of the exhibition groups tonight as well, you really helped round out the show! A Thursday night show instead of competing against Allentown was huge - thank you BD, Cadets, SCV, DCI and Tom Spataro for making this happen. I have been involved with this activity for over 40 years and know that the fans truly enjoyed and responded to all Corps! The Crusader family is very appreciative of all of the fan and local alumni support from all Corps including our own. Jack and the senior Corps treated the kids to a superb BBQ today - the kids know how special you guys are! THANK YOU ALL - I Truly appreciate it!

The East Coast Classic looks to be a great night and a heck of a showdown! Attached is the fan guide: http://www.bostoncrusaders.com/images/2011-ecc-fanguide.pdf

Friday night is going to be a very special show - lot's of exciting activities planned!

http://www.facebook.com/BostonCrusaders#!/menc.org Clinic today!